Moving services for senior citizens

Moving an elderly loved one with a lifetime of belongings can be overwhelming. To serve this growing niche, senior move management services have increased in the past decade.

These companies help relocate seniors to another home, retirement community, or assisted living facility. Senior move managers can help with all aspects of the senior move, or just a portion of it. You decide which services you need.

Sean and Jan Tienhaara started a full service moving company that focuses on senior citizens moving when their relative was living out of state and they were trying to move him closer but found the process difficult.

“You think of your grandmother," explained Sean. "You walk into her home and you see all those little things, maybe things you made for her and it’s set in one place, one location, and we want to be able to reenact that same type of feeling back at their new place because even though they might be going to a small place many of them are afraid “is it going to be home?” We want to make it home for them so making it home is trying to find for many of them, if possible, putting things exactly where they were.”

“The majority of the time we do the packing, we do the unpacking, Sean hangs all the pictures, the curtains, so when they walk in everything is set up the way had left it," said Jan.

Angie’s List Tips: Hiring a moving service for seniors

Don’t skip your research: Whether you’re looking for a senior move manager or a traditional mover, it’s important to research the company before you hire and get cost details in writing. A common complaint from consumers is being quoted one price before the move and being charged a higher price at the time of the move.

Ask about costs: Most local movers charge by the hour, while longer distance moves are based on weight and distance. Fees vary depending on the services needed. Avoid movers who require large deposits. Request an in-home estimate. Most senior moving companies will offer a free consultation.

Check qualifications: Always interview more than one company and ask about their service moving seniors. Check for membership in professional organizations, such as the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).

Ask about your insurance options: Most companies will offer free limited coverage, with additional insurance available for purchase. Check with your private home insurer to see if your policy covers damages incurred during a move.

Ask about a written contract: Details and costs of the services should be clear in a contract. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand. Never sign off on the job until you’re sure there’s nothing missing or damaged. If you notice that a box is damaged at delivery, open it in the movers’ presence to confirm the condition of the articles in the box.

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